Drinking at parks targeted

Friday, February 08, 2013 - Updated: 5:29 PM

By REBECCA WEBSTER

Recorder News Staff

Amsterdam Mayor Ann Thane says the city will now be keeping a close eye on alcohol consumption in city parks.

Tuesday night's meeting of the Amsterdam Common Council brought up the discussion of the municipal golf course, something Thane said sparked her curiosity as to how alcohol was being handled at other municipal lots.

Thane questioned 5th Ward Alderman Richard Leggiero that evening on how the Port Jackson Bocce Club was running and whether they had an alcohol license.

Leggiero replied, "We did have one."

On Wednesday, Thane said it is bringing the awareness to a heightened level of how alcohol is being handled in the parks.

"Why is it some laws we have to abide by, depending on where you are and who you're with?" Thane posed.

"The Port Jackson Bocce Club is to provide the city with certificates of indemnity each year, they're supposed to pay a dollar each year, and if they serve alcohol there, they should be permitted by state law and by city law," she said.

Leggiero said Thursday that the club had only been serving to members, not the public, but they have been in contact with the liquor authority for a license.

Though he called Thane's interest in the club's activities a "witch hunt," Leggiero said the club has suspended the use of alcohol on the premises until the license comes in, whenever that may be.

As for the rest of the city parks, like Riverlink Park, Thane said the city will be keeping a closer eye to make sure rules are followed.

According to the City Charter, there must be roped-off areas or tent enclosures where alcohol may be purchased and consumed within city parks or playgrounds.

The charter also says that anyone applying for a special permit to use a park must have a current valid license issued by the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, off-duty contracted police officers to aid crowd control, and an insurance certificate.

Comments made about this article - 1 Total

Posted By: Joe On: 2/9/2013

Title:

It's interesting that when Mayor Thane was President of the Amsterdam Waterfront Foundation, she DID NOT FOLLOW THE RULES SHE IS POINTING OUT HERE!!
Talk about hiprocity!!! She should not be allowed to remain in the mayor's seat.